- Oral diseases are preventable, pose a major health burden in America, and affect people throughout their lifetime, causing pain, discomfort, disfigurement, and even death. Tooth decay affects 90% of Americans, is the most common oral disease, and the most common health condition worldwide.
- Superficial Venous Disease (SVD) affects 75% of Americans and when undiagnosed or untreated SVD can lead to shorter careers and shorter lives. To put SVD prevalence in perspective, vision correction with eyeglasses and contact lenses only affects 65% of Americans!
- Advanced dental disease like periodontal gum disease is characterized by bleeding or swollen gums (gingivitis), pain, bad breath, and leads to tooth loss.
- Advanced SVD results in permanent and progressive ankle swelling, skin changes, tissue damage, and leads to ulceration or non-healing wounds.
- Tooth decay is prevented and reduced with daily oral hygiene like brushing and flossing your teeth.
- SVD is prevented and reduced with daily leg hygiene like wearing compression socks and moderate physical activity.
- Prevention of tooth decay includes yearly or twice a year visits to the dentist.
- Prevention of SVD requires routine visits to the vein physician every 1-3 years.
- Oral disease treatment is usually not part of health coverage.
- Fortunately, SVD is covered by most health insurance.
Sources:
World Health Organization Oral Health
